Method and system for enhancing computer peripheral safety

ABSTRACT

A method and system for enhancing computer peripheral safety is provided. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, the exemplary method and system are configured to monitor and/or isolate alternating current (A.C.) supplies with and/or from any peripheral subsystems or devices. An exemplary method and system comprises an A.C. supply, a host computer system, and a peripheral subsystem or device connected to the host computer system, such as an ultrasound imaging and/or therapy peripheral, and an isolation subsystem configured for monitoring and/or isolating the A.C. supply from the peripheral subsystem or device. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an isolation subsystem comprises application software and associated modules and functions that when executed continuously monitors and/or polls the host computer&#39;s hardware and/or operating system for the presence of an isolated source, such as a battery, or an unisolated power source, such as through a battery charger and/or other connection path to the A.C. main supply. In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, an isolation subsystem can comprises a wireless or other safe/isolated electrical link for connecting a patient contact device, and/or a verification link or other verification mechanisms configured between an isolation transformer and host computer to monitor or observe usage to power the host computer and peripheral subsystem.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/674,964, filed on Apr. 25, 2005 and entitled “Method And System ForEnhancing Computer Peripheral Safety.”

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to computer peripherals and in particularto a method and system for enhancing electrical safety of peripheralsystems and devices, such as those used for medical applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Personal computers, or PCs, have become ubiquitous and exist in formssuch as desktop, notebook (laptop), or several ultra-portableconfigurations among others. This pervasiveness has led to thedevelopment of a large assortment of increasingly sophisticatedperipherals. In general, computer peripherals are devices that connectto a computing system to facilitate certain tasks and/or implementfeatures not contained within the standard or base computer, includingmedical devices and other like equipment. However, the stringentelectrical safety requirements and regulations which exist for medicalequipment has circumscribed their use with PCs as peripherals. Forexample, electrical leakage currents must be severely limited tomaintain patient isolation, yet computers and their peripherals are notcommonly designed to accommodate such restrictions. One approach toalleviate these requirements is to employ an isolation transformer topower the computer and peripherals, but such a solution is expensive,bulky in size and weight, and relatively unsuited to portability. Analternative of custom-made power supplies is impractical, since amanufacturer of peripherals cannot design isolated power supplies forall conceivable PCs. What is needed is an effective means of providingcomputer peripheral safety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method and system for enhancing computer peripheral safety isprovided. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention,the exemplary method and system are configured to monitor and/or isolatealternating current (A.C.) supplies with and/or from any peripheralsubsystems or devices. An exemplary method and system comprises an A.C.supply, a host computer system, and a peripheral subsystem or deviceconnected to the host computer system, such as an ultrasound imagingand/or therapy peripheral, and an isolation subsystem configured formonitoring and/or isolating the A.C. main supply from the peripheralsubsystem or device.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an isolation subsystemcomprises application software and associated modules and functions thatwhen executed continuously monitors and/or polls the host computer'shardware and/or operating system for the supply of power from anisolated power source, such as a battery supply, or from an unisolatedpower source, such as connection through a battery charger and/or otherconnection path to the A.C. main supply. If a connection to the A.C.main supply is detected, the application software shuts down orotherwise isolates the peripheral subsystem, thereby disallowing usageon a patient, and/or provides suitable warnings to a system user, suchas requiring confirmation that an isolation subsystem/hardware isconnected or operating. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, theapplication software can also comprise A.C. detection modules configuredto monitor the state of A.C. or battery power, to monitor the batterylevel, and give appropriate warnings and guidance to the user tofacilitate control of any peripheral hardware or devices.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, an isolation subsystemcomprises a wireless or other safe/isolated electrical link forconnecting a patient contact device, such as a medical probe, to theperipheral subsystem to assure a high degree of isolation between thepatient and electronics.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, an isolation subsystemcomprises a verification link or other verification mechanismsconfigured between an isolation transformer and host computer to monitoror observe usage to power the host computer and peripheral subsystem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the invention is particularly pointed out in theconcluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both asto organization and method of operation, may best be understood byreference to the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing figures, in which like parts may be referred to bylike numerals:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for enhancingelectrical safety of peripheral systems in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are block diagrams of a host computer, peripheralsubsystem, power supplies and alternating current (A.C.) main supply foruse with an isolation subsystem in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for enhancingelectrical safety of peripheral systems with an isolation subsystemcomprising A.C. detection software module in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are block diagrams of exemplary systems for enhancingelectrical safety of peripheral systems with an isolation subsystem andan isolation transformer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are flowcharts of operation for exemplary A.C. detectionsoftware modules in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a A.C. detection software module in accordancewith another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are block diagrams of exemplary systems for enhancingelectrical safety of peripheral systems with an isolation subsystemcomprising a wireless or other isolated link to a patient contact probein accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 8A and 8B are block diagrams of exemplary systems for enhancingelectrical safety of peripheral systems with an isolation subsystemcomprising an isolation transformer verification link in accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention may be described herein in terms of variousfunctional components and processing steps. It should be appreciatedthat such components and steps may be realized by any number of hardwarecomponents and software features configured to perform the specifiedfunctions. For example, the present invention may employ various medicaltreatment devices, visual imaging and display devices, input terminalsand the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under thecontrol of one or more control systems or other control devices. Inaddition, the present invention may be practiced in any number ofcomputer peripheral contexts and that the exemplary embodiments relatingto a method for enhancing computer peripheral safety as described hereinfor medical probes and applications are merely indicative of exemplaryapplications for the invention. For example, the principles, featuresand methods discussed may be applied to any computer application andperipheral.

In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a methodand system for enhancing computer peripheral safety is provided. Forexample, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, with reference toFIG. 1, an exemplary system 100 comprises an A.C. supply 101, a hostcomputer system 103, and a peripheral subsystem or device 105 connectedto host computer system 103. A.C. supply 101 suitably comprises an A.C.main supply or any other A.C. power source for supplying electricalpower to equipment. Host computer system 103 is coupled to A.C. supply101 and can comprise portable, laptop and/or notebook computers, desktopcomputers or any other host or operating computer configuration foroperating peripheral subsystems and/or devices. Peripheral subsystem 105can comprise any peripheral system or device, such as an ultrasoundimaging and/or therapy peripheral system or device. For example,peripheral subsystem 105 can comprise systems and devices such asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,071, entitled “Peripheral UltrasoundImaging System”, and hereby incorporated by reference. A host-peripheralcommunication link 106 can be operatively coupled between host computer103 and peripheral subsystem 105 to facilitate control of peripheralsubsystem 105, and can comprise any communication link or mechanism usedbetween computers and peripheral devices for supplying power and/orcommunications. For example, communication link 106 can comprise amedical application link, such as for operatively coupling medicalimaging and/or imaging/therapy systems to computer systems. Tofacilitate computer peripheral safety, system 100 further comprises anisolation subsystem configured for monitoring and/or isolating the A.C.supply 101 from peripheral subsystem 105.

System 100 and components, A.C. supply 101, host computer 103 andperipheral 105, can be configured in various manners with an isolationsubsystem for enhancing the safety of peripheral 105. For example, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, withreference to FIG. 2A, a peripheral safety system 200 can comprise alaptop or notebook computer 203 powered via a low-leakage/medical-gradepower supply 202 that may also include a battery-backup system,including battery charger, or other uninterruptible power supplymechanism for host computer 203. Low-leakage/medical-grade power supply202 can be suitably powered from A.C. main supply 201. In addition, anoptional low-leakage/medical-grade peripheral power supply 204, poweredfrom A.C. main supply 201, can also be coupled to peripheral 205 whenadditional power is needed for peripheral 205 and cannot be provided viacommunication link 206. Low leakage/medical-grade power supply 202refers to a power supply or source of power which satisfies electricsafety standards such as low-leakage, grounding, dielectric isolation,resistance to high potential voltages and transients. With reference toFIG. 2B, instead of laptop or notebook computers, host computer 203 cansuitably comprise a desktop-style host computer and associated software203. Typically desktop-style systems 203 differ from notebook-stylesystems in that power supply 202 is normally contained within theenclosure of computer 203.

An isolation subsystem can also be configured in various manners formonitoring and/or isolating A.C. supply 201 from peripheral subsystem ordevice 205. For example, to facilitate computer peripheral safety, ahigh degree of electrical isolation in one or both power supplies 202and 204 can be provided, thus enhancing patient safety.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIG.3, a peripheral safety system 300 can comprise a computer host andassociated software 303 with an isolation subsystem comprising an A.C.detection software component 320. In this exemplary embodiment, hostcomputer 303 is suitably powered via computer power supply/batterycharger 302, powered from A.C. main 301. Power supply/battery charger302 is configured to charge batteries for supplying an isolated powersource to host computer 303. A.C. detection software component 320 isconfigured to detect through input devices 310 when PC battery charger302 is connected to the A.C. main supply 301 (an unisolated powersource) or disconnected (wherein an isolated power source comprising thecharged battery supplies power) to the A.C. main supply 301 and disables(or re-enables) peripheral 305, e.g., disable or re-enable a medicalapplication's functions. A.C. detection software component 320 cancomprise any software and/or hardware configuration, including variousinput/output signals and components, for detecting when an A.C. supplyis providing the source of power to host computer 303, e.g., detectingwhen a battery charger is connected and/or disconnected to A.C. main301, and for suitably disabling one or more peripheral applicationfunctions, or otherwise for providing suitable warnings or otherrecommendations to the system user. By disabling at least somesoftware/peripheral functionality, a high degree of electrical isolationis realized, and thus the patient safety is enhanced in medicalapplications.

A.C. detection module 320 can be configured in addition to otherisolation equipment and devices for facilitating safety. For example,with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, A.C. detection software can beresident within a laptop or notebook computer (FIG. 4A) or a desktopcomputer (FIG. 4B), with computer 403 further coupled to or including apower supply 402 coupled to an isolation transformer 407. Isolationtransformer 407 can comprise any transformer configuration for isolatingA.C. supplies from electrical equipment, such as computers andperipherals.

Detection module 320 can be provided in various operational stepsthrough use of one or more algorithms and/or input/output devices forproviding a method for enhancing computer peripheral safety. Forexample, with reference to FIG. 5A, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment, an exemplary method 500A may comprise A.C. detection moduleconfigured into application software and associated modules. As soon asthe application software initiates or starts 502, the detection modulechecks for operative connection to an unisolated power source, e.g., anA.C. supply, or to an isolated power source, e.g., battery power 504. Ifnot battery powered (i.e., if powered by or otherwise operativelyconnected to the A.C. supply, such as through the battery charger) thedetection module moves to disabling functions and/or displaying awarning 520. However, if detection module determines the host computeris powered directly by battery power (e.g., the batter charger is notplugged in to the A.C. supply) 506, all normal hardware and softwarefunctionality is enabled 508, and the system continues operating.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIG.5B, instead of disabling functions or warning the system user toterminate use of any peripheral devices if a connection to the A.C. mainsupply is detected 520, the application software and associated modulesrequest confirmation from the system user that isolation hardware isbeing used 524. If the system user confirms that appropriate isolationhardware is installed and operating, any normal hardware and softwarefunctionality is enabled 508, and usage of the peripheral device isallowed; if isolation hardware is not in place or operating, thenperipheral device usage is disallowed. Such a confirmation 524 can bemanually confirmed by the system user, and/or through input/outputdevices configured to determine the presence of isolation hardware, suchas isolation transformers and devices.

With reference to FIG. 6, another exemplary method may compriseadditional monitoring and/or isolation functions. For example, as soonas the application software initiates or starts 602, the detectionmodule checks for operative connection to an unisolated power supply,e.g., the A.C. supply, or to an isolated power supply, e.g., to batterypower 604. If not battery powered (e.g., if powered by A.C. supply) thedetection module moves to disabling functions and/or displaying awarning 620. However, if the detection module determines the hostcomputer is powered directly by battery supply (e.g., the batter chargeris not plugged in to the A.C. supply) 606, all normal hardware andsoftware functionality is enabled 608, and the system continuesoperating or running 610 while the presence of A.C. charging isconstantly scanned for by the detection module 612, e.g., the presenceof A.C. charging is constantly scanned in the detection software and/ordetected instantly via operating system interrupts, such as power changebroadcast messages. Thereafter, if the connection to A.C. power isdetected, the detection module moves to disabling functions and/ordisplaying a warning 620. However, if no such detection occurs, thedetection module also checks whether the battery level has gone low. Ifthe battery supply level is low, a warning can be issued to the user614. If the battery level goes too low, e.g. almost empty, the detectionmodule can also resort to disabling functions 620 to maintaining safety,and/or the user can request to quit the application 618 and endoperation 630, or to continue the application running 610.

The process of disabling/warning 620 maintains safety by disablingfunctions (hardware and/or software), displaying a warning, and/orwaiting for a user acknowledgement 622 if a connection to A.C. power isdetected or the battery is very low or nearly empty. For example, as awarning is acknowledged 624, the user can be given the option to cancelthe application 626 and thereby ending 630; if the user decides not tocancel operation, the detection module can continue withmonitoring/re-checking for battery power 606. Thus, the systemfunctionality in which safety and patient isolation is essential can becontrolled such that the functionality is not re-enabled until thesystem is confirmed to be supplied on battery power. Such aconfiguration can allow the user to perform some functions, such assaving images or other processes, while safety-critical features andpatient isolation can be preserved.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIGS.7A (laptop or portable PC) and 7B (desktop PC), peripheral safety system700 can include an isolation subsystem comprising a wireless and/orother isolated electrical link 740 coupled between a peripheral system705 and a peripheral device 750, such as a patient contact probe. Someexamples of wireless and/or other isolated electrical links includewireless USB (wireless Universal Serial Bus), certified wireless USB,wireless Ethernet or IEEE 802.11 based technology, Wi-Fi, WiMedia,Bluetooth, proprietary radio transceivers and associated technology,cellular or other radio network based wireless, and optical wirelesssuch as IrDA. By providing a wireless and/or electrically safe orlow-leakage isolated link 740 between the peripheral/computer andpatient contact probe 750, patient safety is enhanced. Isolated link 740may be provided at any suitable point within system 700. For example,components, part or whole, of computer 703 and/or peripheral 705 may bedisposed on either side of isolated link 740, so long as a high degreeof isolation between A.C. main supply 701 and patient are maintained.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, with reference to FIGS. 8A (laptop or portable PC) and 8B(desktop PC), a peripheral safety system 800 can include an isolationsubsystem comprising an isolation transformer 807 configured with anisolation transformer verification link 880 configured in betweenisolation transformer 807 and computer 803. Isolation transformer 807can comprise a low-leakage medical-grade isolation transformer or otherlike systems. As such, isolation transformer 807 provides a high degreeof electrical isolation only when it is used as intended, thus isolationtransformer verification link 880 is configured to confirm with computer803 and/or peripheral 805 that isolation transformer 807 is present andin proper use. Isolation transformer verification link 980 suitablycomprises a feedback mechanism that can contain software and/or hardwarefunctionality and protection keys to assure that isolation transformer807 and/or other components in system 800 are being used in theappropriate configuration to maintain safety. Isolation transformerverification link 880 can comprise any feedback configuration configuredto monitor an isolation transformer and/or other electrical or controlcomponents and/or any of the appropriate operations of peripheral device805. For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, isolationtransformer verification link 880 can comprise a wire or other couplingdevice connected into a USB port of computer 803 from isolationtransformer 807 to allow monitoring of transformer operation. However,isolation transformer verification link 880 can comprise any othercommunication link, e.g., cable and/or wireless.

The present invention has been described above with reference to variousexemplary embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognizethat changes and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodimentswithout departing from the scope of the present invention. For example,the various operational steps, as well as the components for carryingout the operational steps, may be implemented in alternate waysdepending upon the particular application or in consideration of anynumber of cost functions associated with the operation of the system,e.g., various of the steps may be deleted, modified, or combined withother steps. For example, although the exemplary embodiments illustrateone configuration for an isolation subsystem, it should be noted thatvarious exemplary embodiments for an isolation subsystem can alsocomprise a combination of detection module and isolation transformerand/or wireless/isolated links. These and other changes or modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the present invention,as set forth in the following claims.

1. A treatment system configured for enhanced computer peripheral safetyfor use with medical devices, said treatment system comprising: an A.C.main power supply; a host computer system configured with a powersupply, said host computer system further coupled to said A.C. mainpower supply; a peripheral system coupled to said host computer systemand configured for control of medical devices; and an isolationsubsystem configured for isolating said A.C. power supply from saidperipheral system during operation of said peripheral system.
 2. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein said isolation subsystem comprisesa detection module configured within said host computer system formonitoring supply of power from said A.C. power supply to said hostcomputer system.
 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein saiddetection module is configured to disable at least one function of saidperipheral system when said A.C. power supply is supplying power to saidhost computer system.
 4. The system according to claim 2, wherein saiddetection module is configured to provide warnings to a user to allowfor disabling of at least one function of said peripheral system whensaid A.C. power supply is supplying power to said host computer system.5. The system according to claim 2, wherein said detection module isconfigured to confirm with a user whether isolation hardware is operableprior to disabling of at least one function of said peripheral systemwhen said A.C. power supply is supplying power to said host computersystem.
 6. The system according to claim 3, wherein said power supply ofsaid host computer further comprises an A.C. powered battery charger andan isolated battery, and wherein said detection module is configured todetermine whether said A.C. power supply is supplying power through saidbattery charger or whether said isolated battery is supplying power tosaid host computer system.
 7. The system according to claim 6, whereinsaid detection module is further configured to monitor power levels ofsaid isolated battery and provide at least one of a disabling functionand a warning function to a user if said power levels are belowacceptable levels.
 8. The system according to claim 2, wherein saidisolation subsystem further comprises an isolation transformerconfigured between said power supply of said host computer system andsaid A.C. power supply.
 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein saidisolation subsystem further comprises a low-leakage power supplyconfigured between said peripheral system and said A.C. power supply.10. The system according to claim 1, wherein said isolation subsystemcomprises a wireless/isolated electrical link coupled between a medicalperipheral device and said A.C. power supply.
 11. The system accordingto claim 10, wherein said wireless/isolated electrical link is connectedbetween said medical peripheral device and said peripheral system. 12.The system according to claim 1, wherein said isolation subsystemcomprises an isolation transformer and a verification link, eachconfigured between said A.C. power supply and said host computer. 13.The system according to claim 12, wherein said isolation transformercomprises a low-leakage, medical-grade isolation transformer.
 14. Thesystem according to claim 12, wherein said verification link comprises afeedback mechanism configured to monitor operations of at least one ofisolation transformer and said peripheral system.
 15. The systemaccording to claim 14, wherein said verification link comprises a wiredconnection from said isolation transformer to a USB port of said hostcomputer.
 16. A computer-implemented method for enhancing computerperipheral safety for use with medical applications, saidcomputer-implemented method comprising: determining whether a hostcomputer is being powered by an isolated power source or by anunisolated power source comprising an A.C. power supply; providing atleast one of a disabling function to a peripheral system and a warningfunction to a peripheral system user if said host computer is powered bythe A.C. power supply; and continuing operation of said peripheralsystem if said host computer is powered by the isolated power source.17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said method furthercomprises monitoring power levels of said isolated power source andproviding at least one of a disabling function and a warning function toa user if said power levels are below acceptable levels.
 18. The methodaccording to claim 16, wherein said method further comprisescontinuously monitoring for the supply of power from said A.C. powersupply.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein said methodcomprises detecting the supply of power from A.C. power supply throughoperating system interrupts.
 20. The method according to claim 16,wherein said method initially provides said warning function to a userand waits for acknowledgement before disabling any functions within saidperipheral system.
 21. The method according to claim 16, wherein saidmethod confirms with a user whether isolation hardware is operablebefore disabling any functions within said peripheral system.
 22. Aperipheral isolation system configured for enhancing safety with amedical peripheral device when used with an A.C. power supply, saidperipheral isolation system comprising: an isolation subsystem coupledbetween the A.C. power supply and the medical peripheral device, saidisolation subsystem configured to perform at least one of monitoring andisolating the A.C. power supply during operation of the medicalperipheral device.
 23. The system according to claim 22, wherein saidisolation subsystem comprises a detection module configured within ahost computer system for monitoring supply of power from the A.C. powersupply to the host computer system, and configured to disable at leastone function of the medical peripheral device when the A.C. power supplyis supplying power to the host computer system.
 24. The system accordingto claim 23, wherein said detection module is further configured toprovide warnings to a user prior to disabling of at least one functionof said medical peripheral device when the A.C. power supply issupplying power to the host computer system.
 25. The system according toclaim 23, wherein said detection module is further configured todetermine whether an isolated battery is supplying power to said hostcomputer system, and is configured to monitor power levels of thebattery and provide at least one of a disabling function and a warningfunction to a user if the power levels are below acceptable levels. 26.The system according to claim 23, wherein said isolation subsystemcomprises a wireless/isolated electrical link coupled between themedical peripheral device and the A.C. power supply.
 27. The systemaccording to claim 23, wherein said isolation subsystem comprises anisolation transformer and a verification link, each coupled between theA.C. power supply and the host computer, and wherein said verificationlink comprises a feedback mechanism configured to monitor operations ofat least one of the isolation transformer and the medical peripheraldevice.
 28. A method for enhancing computer peripheral safety for usewith medical applications, said method comprising: providing anisolation subsystem coupled between an A.C. power supply and a medicalperipheral device; and performing at least one of monitoring andisolating the A.C. power supply during operation of the medicalperipheral device.
 29. The method according to claim 28, said methodcomprising: determining in a host computer whether the host computer isbeing powered by a battery or by the A.C. power supply; providing atleast one of a disabling function to the medical peripheral device and awarning function to a peripheral system user if the host computer ispowered by the A.C. power supply; and continuing operation of themedical peripheral device if the host computer is powered by thebattery.
 30. The method according to claim 28, wherein said methodfurther comprises providing a wireless/isolated electrical link coupledbetween the medical peripheral device and the A.C. power supply.
 31. Themethod according to claim 28, wherein said method further comprisesproviding an isolation transformer coupled between the A.C. power supplyand a host computer, and providing a verification link comprising afeedback mechanism configured to monitor operations of at least one ofthe isolation transformer and the medical peripheral device.